Speedrunning: How a Community Turned Games Into a Sport

Beating a game is one thing. Beating it as fast as humanly possible, with every route, trick and input rehearsed, is something else. Speedrunning has grown from a niche pastime into a worldwide community with its own rules, vocabulary and events. If you have ever watched a run and wondered how anyone does that, this overview should help.

What speedrunning is

A speedrun is an attempt to finish a game, or a defined part of it, in the shortest possible time. Runners study the game closely, plan an optimal route and practice sections until they can perform them consistently. Some runs rely on perfect execution of intended mechanics, while others use unexpected behaviors or glitches that the community has discovered.

Categories and rules

Because a game can be finished in different ways, communities define categories. Common ones include:

• Any percent: reach the end of the game by any means allowed by the rules.
• 100 percent: complete everything the game tracks, such as collectibles or side quests.
• Glitchless: finish without using certain exploits.
• Low percent or specific restrictions: complete the game under special limits.
• Individual levels: focus on single stages instead of the whole game.

Each game has its own rules, usually maintained by the community on public leaderboards. Rules cover what counts as a start, an end, and which hardware or versions are allowed.

Timing and verification

Times are measured with defined methods, such as real time or time without loading screens. Runs are typically submitted with video evidence so that others can verify them. Moderators check for compliance, and communities discuss disputed cases openly. This transparency is one of the reasons the leaderboards have credibility.

The role of glitches and tricks

Glitches are not cheating when the rules allow them. In many games, discovering a clever skip or movement technique is a celebrated achievement. Developers have sometimes even acknowledged the community's creativity. Techniques range from simple shortcuts to extremely precise inputs, and some tricks are so difficult that only a handful of players can perform them reliably.

Practice, routes and resets

A run involves far more than playing fast. Runners break a game into segments, practice each separately and learn how to recover from mistakes. They reset the game many times when an early error costs too much time. Good routes take months or years to refine and often change when someone finds a better way. Patience is central to the culture.

Tools and tech

Runners use different tools: timers that split a run into segments, capture software to record attempts, and in some categories, special hardware. Another area is tool-assisted speedruns, which use frame-by-frame inputs to show what is theoretically possible. These are generally separate from human runs and appreciated as a different art form.

Community events and charity

Speedrunning communities hold marathon events where runners play through many games in a row, often streamed live and often linked to raising money for charity. These events have helped introduce the hobby to a much wider audience. Watching a live run with commentary that explains the tricks is a good way to learn. If you are curious about the technical side of streaming, our article on streaming setup basics explains what a beginner needs.

How to get started

1. Pick a game you already enjoy and know well.
2. Read the leaderboard rules and watch a few top runs.
3. Learn the basics of the route and practice one section at a time.
4. Use a timer and record your attempts.
5. Join the community forum or chat for tips.

You do not need to chase a world record. Beating your own personal best is satisfying enough.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need special hardware? Not necessarily. Many runs use standard consoles or PCs, though rules differ by game.

Is using a glitch cheating? Not if the category rules allow it. Communities define which techniques are acceptable.

How long does it take to get good? It varies widely. Short games and simple categories are a good place to begin.